Breakfast Strata

There’s something truly special about a gathering on a lazy weekend morning, and that’s where the Breakfast Strata shines. Picture this: you wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the scent of toasty bread and savory fillings. As friends and family gather around the table, the anticipation builds. This hearty dish, layered with love and care, is perfect for those moments when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. With its comforting qualities, the Breakfast Strata not only nourishes the body but also warms the soul, creating memories that last long after the plates are cleared.

Breakfast Strata Ingredients

The beauty of the Breakfast Strata lies in its blend of simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect bite. The combination of eggs, bread, and cheese creates a rich custard base, while the vegetables and seasonings add depth. Let’s explore the key players that make this dish special.

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and flavor, plus it’s essential for sautéing the mushrooms.
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced – These lend an earthy flavor and a delightful texture.
• 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained – A nutritious addition that brings color and a mild taste.
• 1 pound crumbled breakfast sausage, cooked and fat drained – Delivers a savory, hearty element that’s hard to resist.
• 8 cups crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes – This is the backbone of the strata, soaking up the custard beautifully.
• 12 large eggs – The key ingredient that binds everything together and creates that creamy texture.
• 2 cups whole milk – Adds creaminess and richness to the mixture.
• ½ teaspoon thyme – Introduces a lovely herbal note.
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – Provides an aromatic depth to the dish.
• 1 ½ teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper – Adds a subtle kick.
• 2 tablespoons dijon – Offers a delightful tang.
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded – Melts beautifully and adds a wonderful creaminess.

Preparation Steps for Breakfast Strata

Making a Breakfast Strata is a straightforward process that comes with the reward of a delicious meal. The steps are quite simple, and you’ll enjoy the aroma of sautéing vegetables filling your kitchen. Let’s work through the process together!

1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. This will be the foundation for sautéing your vegetables.
2. Once the butter is melted, toss in the 8 ounces sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice them beginning to brown and caramelize, releasing their wonderful flavor.
3. Next, add 10 ounces thawed and drained frozen spinach to the skillet. Sauté briefly until it wilts, which should take another few minutes. The mixture will become vibrant, and the spinach will blend beautifully with the mushrooms.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the mushroom and spinach mixture to a large mixing bowl. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
5. In the same skillet, add the cooked 1 pound crumbled breakfast sausage and the diced 8 cups crusty bread to the mushroom and spinach. This combination is where the magic begins, as the bread will soak up all the flavors.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together 12 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, ½ teaspoon thyme, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground pepper, and 2 tablespoons dijon. This custard mixture is what will bind everything and give you that creamy texture.
7. Whisk in 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Pour this mixture over the bread and sausage mixture in the bowl, tossing gently until everything is nicely coated.
8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the bread to soak up the custard, ensuring a moist and flavorful strata.
9. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Select a 9×13 or a 4-quart baking dish and spray it lightly with pan spray. This will prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
10. After the chilling time, take the strata mixture from the fridge and pour it into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
11. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll want the top to be golden brown and the center to be set with no jiggle.
12. Once baked, let the strata cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.

Make It Your Own

The Breakfast Strata is a wonderfully flexible dish, allowing you to tailor it to your taste. Here are several tips for customizing your strata experience!

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked strata for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly before freezing.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal.
• Variations: Consider adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even different cheeses like feta for a unique twist.
• Serving suggestions: This dish is perfect for brunch, but it can also be served for breakfast-for-dinner or alongside soups.
• Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives make a lovely garnish for added flavor and color.

Serving Ideas for Breakfast Strata

Serving the Breakfast Strata is all about creating a welcoming atmosphere and complementing the dish with delightful accompaniments. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:

• Fresh Fruit: Pair with a vibrant fruit salad or individual servings of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the savory strata.
• Light Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the strata.
• Brunch Buffet: This dish can be the star of a brunch buffet, accompanied by pastries and a selection of juices.
• Holiday Serving: During special occasions like Easter or Mother’s Day, consider serving with mimosas or a festive punch.
• Breakfast-for-Dinner: This dish isn’t just for mornings! Serve it as a comforting dinner option with a side of roasted vegetables.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a quick breakfast option throughout the week.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Breakfast Strata is not only a delicious dish but also a wonderful way to bring people together over a hearty meal. Its layers of flavor and comforting textures make it a favorite for any gathering. I encourage you to try making this at home; you’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how delightful it tastes. Perfect for brunch or any special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Breakfast Strata

Craving a hearty and comforting meal? The Breakfast Strata is the ultimate dish to satisfy your hunger! Layered with rich flavors from savory sausage, wholesome vegetables, and creamy cheese, this easy recipe is perfect for brunch or any family gathering. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 8 ounces Mushrooms sliced
• 10 ounces Frozen Spinach thawed and drained
• 1 pound Breakfast Sausage cooked and fat drained
• 8 cups Crusty Bread cut into 1-inch cubes
• 12 large Eggs
• 2 cups Whole Milk
• ½ teaspoon Thyme
• ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 ½ teaspoon Salt
• ½ teaspoon Ground Pepper
• 2 tablespoons Dijon
• 1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese shredded

Instructions

 

• Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. This will be the foundation for sautéing your vegetables.
• Once the butter is melted, toss in the 8 ounces sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll notice them beginning to brown and caramelize, releasing their wonderful flavor.
• Next, add 10 ounces thawed and drained frozen spinach to the skillet. Sauté briefly until it wilts, which should take another few minutes. The mixture will become vibrant, and the spinach will blend beautifully with the mushrooms.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the mushroom and spinach mixture to a large mixing bowl. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
• In the same skillet, add the cooked 1 pound crumbled breakfast sausage and the diced 8 cups crusty bread to the mushroom and spinach. This combination is where the magic begins, as the bread will soak up all the flavors.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together 12 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, ½ teaspoon thyme, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground pepper, and 2 tablespoons dijon. This custard mixture is what will bind everything and give you that creamy texture.
• Whisk in 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Pour this mixture over the bread and sausage mixture in the bowl, tossing gently until everything is nicely coated.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the bread to soak up the custard, ensuring a moist and flavorful strata.
• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Select a 9×13 or a 4-quart baking dish and spray it lightly with pan spray. This will prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
• After the chilling time, take the strata mixture from the fridge and pour it into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
• Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll want the top to be golden brown and the center to be set with no jiggle.
• Once baked, let the strata cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked strata for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly before freezing.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal.
• Variations: Consider adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even different cheeses like feta for a unique twist.
• Serving suggestions: This dish is perfect for brunch, but it can also be served for breakfast-for-dinner or alongside soups.
• Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives make a lovely garnish for added flavor and color.

Keyword Breakfast Strata, Brunch Ideas, Easy Breakfast Casserole, Savory Strata Recipe

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Meet Romina Scott

Welcome to my kitchen. I founded Recipes By Romina with a simple goal: to share the fresh, vibrant, and reliable flavors that I love most. I personally develop and approve every single dish on this site to ensure it is not only delicious but also easy for you to recreate at home. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dessert, I hope this recipe inspires you to grab an apron and get cooking!